Kim to sit out Grand Prix series

SEOUL – South Korean starlet Kim Yu Na, who finished runnerup in her return to the ice at the world figure skating championships, said Monday she will not be competing in the Grand Prix series next season due to her busy schedule promoting her country’s bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

The Yonhap News agency reported upon Kim’s arrival from Moscow that the reigning Olympic champion will be busy until July, campaigning as a goodwill ambassador for Pyeongchang’s Olympic bid.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to handle my schedule for next season,” Kim told reporters at Incheon International Airport.

Kim, who skated for the first time in over a year, led after the short program at the worlds before Miki Ando rallied in the free skate to claim the title. Kim admitted that she had hurt her ankle before her performance on Saturday.

“I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. I never said anything about it since I didn’t think it would affect my performance. If I said something, it would just sound like an excuse,” she said.